Ratings

GreatSchools Rating

The GreatSchools rating is a simple tool for parents to compare schools based on test scores. It compares schools across the state, where the highest rated schools in the state are designated as “Above Average” and the lowest “Below Average.” It is designed to be a starting point to help parents make baseline comparisons. We always advise parents to visit the school and consider other information on school performance and programs, as well as consider their child's and family's needs as part of the school selection process.

Methodology

Dig deeper

They're never the whole story, but test scores do offer important information about a school. If you know how to dig deeper.

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Test scores

The bar charts below tell what percentage of students are performing at or above grade-level.

Maryland School Assessment

Showing results for all students

Math

Reading

Math

Reading

Math

Reading

Science

Math

Reading

Math

Reading

Math

Reading

Science

About the test

In 2013-2014 Maryland used the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and grades 5 and 8 in science. The MSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Maryland. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

Source: Maryland State Department of Education

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Climate

Schools that are well organized, safe, and supportive are much more likely to be successful.

Administration

The Baltimore School Effectiveness Survey contains questions about many aspects of the school environment. The survey helps district and school leaders understand what is working well and what needs improvement.

The administration dimension score attempts to characterize a schools administration and its effectiveness. Students, parents, and staff are asked to respond to questions relating to feeling of value, promptness in response to concerns, and the provision of meaningful feedback. The administration dimension score has a maximum value of 100.

Creativity and Arts

The creativity & arts dimension score attempts to characterize access to the arts with schools. Students, parents, and staff are asked to respond to questions relating to the opportunity to participate in arts offerings as well as the use of student creative content. The creativity & arts score has a maximum value of 100.

Physical environment

The physical environment score attempts to characterize the physical environment within a school. Students, parents, and staff are asked to respond to questions relating to lighting, building cleanliness, and building maintenance. The physical environment score has a maximum value of 100.

Learning climate

The learning climate score attempts to characterize the manner in which a school addresses the topic of student learning. Students, parents, and staff are asked to respond to questions relating to student behavior, classroom atmosphere, and teacher expectations. The learning climate score has a maximum value of 100.

School resources

The school resources score attempts to characterize the type and depth of school based offerings. Students, parents, and staff are asked to respond to questions relating to teacher supplies, the availability of extra academic support, and the availability of programs to address topics such as violence and emotional/social development. The school resources score has a maximum value of 100.

Safety

The safety dimension score attempts to characterize a school in terms of student safety. Students, parents, and staff are asked to respond to questions relating to student feelings of safety, vandalism, and the occurrence of student conflicts. The school safety score has a maximum value of 100.

Satisfaction with this school

The satisfaction w/ school score attempts to characterize the student, parent, and staffs feelings towards a school. Students, parents, and staff are asked to respond to questions relating to learning, class offerings, and the accessibility of teachers. The satisfaction w/ school score has a maximum value of 100.

Teachers

The teachers dimension score attempts to characterize the teacher experience at a school. Staff are asked to respond to questions relating to the use of lesson objectives, teacher organization, and feelings of self-efficacy. The teacher dimension score has a maximum value of 100.